Myrtus communis aka Myrtle

Myrtus communis, or common myrtle, belongs to the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. This evergreen shrub comes from the Mediterranean region. Its range includes southern Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia. Long cultivation makes its exact native range hard to trace. It forms a dense bush or a small tree. Sources give garden heights from 5–13 feet [1.5–4 metres]. Garden widths range from 5–12 feet [1.5–3.7 metres]. Some plants reach 20 feet [6.1 metres] tall.

The leaves grow in pairs along the stems. Each simple leaf has a smooth edge and pointed tip. Their dark green tops shine, while the undersides look paler. Clear dots mark the leaves, which smell strong when crushed. The leaves feel firm and stay on through winter. Young bark looks smooth and gray-brown. Older bark peels in patches and develops grooves. This exposes inner bark in shades of tan.

White, scented flowers stand out against the dark leaves. Many stamens fill the centre of each bloom. Some sources describe yellow tips on the stamens. Flowering dates vary between the sources. Missouri Botanical Garden gives May to July. The RHS reports blooms from midsummer into autumn. Bees visit the flowers, and birds seek the berries. The ripe fruit turns purple-black or blue-black. Berries can appear in summer and remain into fall.

Grow myrtle in sun, with shelter from cold, dry winds. It also accepts some shade, according to Missouri Botanical Garden. Moist soil with good drainage suits it best. It grows in loam, sand, or clay. Sources list acid, neutral, and alkaline soils as suitable. It tolerates drought but has a medium watering need. Its growth rate is moderate, and upkeep is low. Sources list USDA zones 8–10 and UK rating H4. Late frosts can harm fresh spring shoots.

Myrtle suits hedges, screens, beds near buildings, and patio pots. It accepts clipping and can grow as a houseplant. Poor drainage can cause root rot. Scale, thrips, and spider mites may cause harm. Indoor plants can also suffer from mealybugs and whitefly. The RHS notes rare cases of honey fungus. The berries are edible, though taste reports differ. People eat them fresh or cooked and use dried fruit for flavour. Leaves, flowers, and flower buds also have food uses. PFAF lists no known hazards. Oils from the plant serve in soaps, perfumes, and skin products.